The Future of Health: Top 5 Digital Health Innovations for 2023

The digital world has revolutionized almost all aspects of our lives and is presented as the future ecosystem of healthcare, this being one of the last frontiers. The massive amount of data produced by sensors, apps, and wearable devices can be used to monitor patients and their environments to make healthcare more accessible, affordable, and efficient. 

Top Five Digital Health Innovations for 2023 

1) Connected Digital Care

Remote patient-connected care has enabled healthcare to virtually enhance real-world insights for digital care. Remote patient monitoring uses sensors, wearable devices, apps, and other digital tools to collect and record data, and then send that information to the patient’s medical provider. You can also send alerts when a condition changes or when a patient requires attention.

Remote patient monitoring is a key part of the “Internet of Health”. As this technology becomes more widely adopted, it will allow healthcare providers to monitor a broader range of patients. This is particularly important in areas that have a shortage of doctors and limited access to the health circuit. Remote patient monitoring can help improve continuity of care and reduce the need for patients to travel to see a healthcare professional.

2) Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Healthcare

AI has been making headlines in almost every industry, but healthcare is still in the early stages of adoption. Artificial Intelligence is being used in healthcare to analyze vast amounts of data, identify patterns, and make predictions. This includes medical images and data from wearable devices and other sensors. AI can also be used to make treatment recommendations and aid in diagnosis.

However, these tools have the potential to revolutionize healthcare by increasing efficiency, improving outcomes, and reducing costs. AI can also assist in care management by providing decision support.

3) Patient Participation in Medical Care

The health sector is turning to technology to invite patients to participate. They are often asked to monitor their lifestyle, diet, and medications, but they do not do so often enough. This can lead to poor outcomes, higher costs, and stress on the healthcare system. Some organizations are turning to apps and other technologies to invite patients to track their own health and share that data with their doctors for better patient-centric care.

This can be done through online communities where patients can share their experiences and support each other. There are also programs that offer incentives for them to record their data and share it with their doctors. Patient involvement can help improve outcomes, reduce costs, and reduce the burden on healthcare professionals.

4) Increase Data Security

The amount of data generated and stored by the digital and healthcare industries is enormous and continues to grow. This includes information from sensors, apps, wearable devices, laboratory tests, and electronic medical records, among others. It goes without saying that security is paramount to ensure proper access and that these are not compromised. There are several ways that organizations can increase the digital data and health security. These include taking a customer-centric approach, using encryption, and using AI for cybersecurity.

A data-centric approach allows companies to protect their data regardless of where it is stored: on the Internet, on servers, or on end-user devices. Using encryption to protect data at rest and in transit can also help protect digital and health data from cyber threats. Finally, AI can be used to help detect and defend against them.

5) Improve Telehealth Services

Telehealth is the use of technology to deliver health services remotely. It is particularly useful for patients who live in isolated areas or those with chronic conditions that may require continuous monitoring. Some of the most common telehealth activities are remote patient monitoring and virtual visits. For example, remote patient monitoring can be used to help those with chronic illnesses manage their conditions. And online doctor visits can be used to help patients track their health and manage their medications. Virtual visits can be used to offer support to patients requiring mental health services. These activities will grow in popularity as more organizations implement telehealth and as digital tools become even more advanced and focus more on patient engagement, enhanced compassionate communication, and digital empathy.

While healthcare may be one of the most resistant industries to change, digital transformation has revolutionized nearly every other sector. The massive amount of data produced by sensors, apps, and wearable devices can be used to monitor patients and their environments. This data can be used to create more personalized and accessible care, help clinicians make better decisions, and reduce costs. These innovations will help improve the quality of care and experience for patients (PX) and professionals alike. Healthcare is in the early stages of adopting these digital tools. But as they become more widespread, they can help revolutionize this industry and improve the lives of everyone involved.